Jay-Z Says That ‘Providing’ For Kids Isn’t ‘Love’ — Being There Is More Important

Jay-Z is going to be a father come February whether you’re buying those Beyonce surrogacy rumors or not, and the rapper and business mogul took to the pages of GQ to talk about the type of parent he wants to be. Given that Jay-Z endured a troubled relationship with his father until his death a little under 10 years ago, the topic of being a good father is one that he has given a lot of thought.

Jay-Z or Sean Carter says that his own father, Adnis Reeves, became terribly distant after the death of his brother. Papa Reeves coped with the loss by submitting to alcoholism and substance abuse before leaving the family altogether. Then, in 2003, just as the two were reconciling, his father passed away.

Jay-Z tells the publication that although he has been wealthy enough for years to provide for a child, he hasn’t necessarily had the time. And from the looks of it, he plans to be an active co-parent and perhaps take time out of his career to do so. GQ writes that Jay-Z wanted “to be rich enough to be present” in his new baby’s life and that just being able to hand your kids the best of everything doesn’t necessarily translate to terrific parenting:

“Providing—that’s not love,” he says. “Being there—that’s more important. I mean, we see that. We see that with all these rich socialites. They’re crying out for attention; they’re hurting for love. I’m not being judgmental—I’m just making an observation. They’re crying out for the love that maybe they didn’t get at home, and they got everything. All the material things that they need and want. So we know that’s not the key.”